Tralee nursing unit opens after 14-year wait

A 14-year campaign for long-term, residential facilities for the elderly in the Kerry capital ended yesterday when 43 people started moving into the Tralee Community Nursing Unit.

The former residents of the Dinish and Loher wards in Kerry General Hospital will now have much-improved, custom-built accommodation and services in the €9.4m unit.

Situated at Teile Carraig, Killerisk Road, Tralee, the one-level CNU also offers a wide range of community therapy services, such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.

The architecture and interior décor are aimed at creating a homely, welcoming environment for residents, families and staff.

The building is bright and spacious and there are also landscaped garden areas.

KGH general manager PJ Hartnett said the unit heralded a new era in heath care provision for the Tralee area.

The Dinish and Loher wards, which were regarded as not suitable for long-term residential care, will now be refurbished to allow for the expansion of rehabilitation services in the hospital.

The Tralee Senior Citizens Campaign Group and the family of the late Ellen Rowan, who was among those to lead the campaign for the unit, have welcomed the facility.